Friday is ladies day at Pimlico Race Course. This is the second leg of the Triple Crown of sorts for three-year-old fillies. First is the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, then comes the Black-Eyed Susan, and it all finishes up at Belmont with the Acorn Stakes.
This will be the 88th running which began in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. It changed over in 1952, and at 4:46 p.m. ET, we will know who is the best gal on the track that day. The weather is going to be in the upper 70's, and a fast track is expected for this field of nine fillies going 1 1/8th.
The field is void of a real speed attack, and #4 - Mamma Kimbo (6-5) is expected to be the pace setter. Mike Smith is in the irons for Bob Baffert, and she is 2/2 with wins in her brief career. Since her victory in the G-2 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, she has been working well in the morning at Churchill Downs. The race is a 1 1/8th, and I have been questioning if she can get the final 1/8th of a mile. I see her to be a wonderful runner, and she has the work ethic of something special. But, I see her getting leg weary in the shadow of the wire this day. I think she may be a big player in the outcome, but the value is short, and I have distance worries for this young lady.
#7 - In Lingerie (5-1) will be my top selection. She is ridden by John Velasquez for trainer Todd Pletcher. She has had some time off since her impressive win at Turfway Park in the Bourbonette. This daughter of Empire Maker is making the poly-track to dirt transition, and has been working regular at Belmont Park. She appears to have the ability to sit right off the pace from Mamma Kimbo, and get busy down the lane. After her last race, she caught the eyes of handicappers from around the country. I think she will get a perfect stalking trip, and the rider / trainer combination are a top-notch operation.
#2 - Disposablepleasure (5-1) is another Todd Pletcher runner. In the saddle is J.J. Castellano, and he is off and running with a 25% clip this year. She is a daughter of Derby winner Giacomo, and is 1/1 at the distance with a win. She has faced some tough fillies at Fair Grounds this winter, and her works at Palm Meadows in Florida should have her ready for a solid effort off of the shelf.
I am looking for a moderate pace from Mamma Kimbo, and then get challenged by Wildcat's Smile down the backside. As they appraoch the 3/8th's pole, Mamma Kimbo will attempt to steal the race, and you will start seeing In Lingerie get moving at this time. When the fillies turn for home, In Lingerie should start getting to the pace setter, and the second flight of late closers will be coming. Nearing the wire, In Lingerie should have the race in hand, and the versatile Dispoasablepleasure should make her presence felt with Welcome Guest and longshot Oaks Lily.
Ed Meyer
